DUI Lawyers in Tigard
Are you facing Tigard DUI charges? If so, you need an experienced Tigard DUI lawyer. In Oregon, you can be charged with Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII) if you are driving a vehicle in a public place with a blood alcohol level of .08 or higher, or if you’re under the influence of controlled substances, cannabis, or psilocybin. Facing DUI charges can be intimidating, especially considering how serious the consequences of a conviction are.
If you find yourself in need of a Tigard DUI attorney, Shannon Powell of Powell Law is the man to turn to. With a deep understanding of both the complexities of Oregon's DUI laws and the specific nuances of Tigard's legal system, Shannon Powell offers a combination of local insight and legal expertise.
Oregon DUI FAQs
Q. What is the difference between DUI, DUII, DWI, OUI, OWI, DUID, and DUII-CS?
A. These are different terms for driving under the influence of intoxicants, with DUII being the specific term used in Oregon.
Q. What should I do first if cited or arrested for an Oregon DUI? A. Contact an attorney familiar with DUI cases immediately, as there are time-sensitive decisions and actions, like applying for a DMV Implied Consent hearing within 10 days of arrest.
Q. What are the penalties for an Oregon DUI?
A. Penalties vary depending on the court and whether the charge is a misdemeanor or felony. They can include jail time, probation, and fines up to $6,250 for a misdemeanor DUI and more severe consequences for a felony DUI.
Q. What is a “breathalyzer” or “Intoxilyzer”?
A. These are devices used to estimate BAC. The Intoxilyzer is a specific brand of breath testing device. Refusing to provide a breath sample can lead to additional violations and an administrative driver’s license suspension.
Q. Isn't the legal standard for intoxication a .08 BAC?
A. While a BAC of .08 or higher is a standard for presumption of intoxication, a person can still be charged with DUII if they appear impaired to a noticeable degree, even with a lower BAC.
Q. What are Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs)?
A. FSTs are tests designed to determine impairment. Failure of these tests does not necessarily mean guilt of DUI, as performance can vary greatly between individuals.
Q. What is a Drug Recognition Evaluation (DRE)?
A. DRE is a series of tests conducted to determine if someone is under the influence of controlled substances, alcohol, or both.
Q. Will my driver’s license be suspended for an Oregon DUI? A. Suspension depends on case facts and driving history. It's possible to face both DMV-imposed and court-imposed suspensions, and these can be challenged through legal processes.
“I hired Attorney Shannon Powell to represent a family member of mine that was promised by the courts that they would be going to jail. Shannon was empathetic, took the time to understand the situation, gather facts, build a solid case, and presented the case in a way to the courts that got us the best possible outcome possible. The case was unbelievably completely dismissed.
If we had used a court appointed attorney, I have absolutely no doubt that my family member would be in jail right now. If you or a family member are looking for a professional and effective attorney, I would gladly recommend Mr. Shannon to anyone regardless of the stakes at hand.”
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Call us directly 503-372-6244 or register for a free consultation, responses typically by end of working day
Ways to Help With Your DUI
If you're facing a DUI charge in Oregon, there are several steps you can take to help your case:
● Consult a DUI Attorney: One of the first and most crucial steps is to consult with a DUI attorney. An experienced attorney can provide legal advice specific to your situation and help you navigate the legal system.
● Consider the DUI Diversion Program: Oregon offers a DUI Diversion Program, which is an alternative to prosecution for eligible individuals. This program allows you to plead guilty but have the charge dismissed after fulfilling certain requirements. These requirements include attending a drug and alcohol treatment program, refraining from the use of intoxicants, and attending a Victim Impact Panel.
● Challenge the DUI Charge: You have the right to challenge the DUI charge against you. This can include contesting the legality of the traffic stop, the administration and accuracy of field sobriety tests and breathalyzer tests, and other aspects of the prosecution's case.
● Request a DMV Implied Consent Hearing: If you fail or refuse a breathalyzer test, your license will be automatically suspended. However, you can request a DMV Implied Consent hearing to challenge this suspension. This request must be made within 10 days of your arrest.
How a Clackamas DUI Attorney Can Help You
Clackamas County takes DUI charges very seriously. As such, your best bet is to hire an attorney to represent you before the judge. Otherwise, you may be left to serve serious jail time and pay heavy fines. You might even have your license suspended. Clackamas County rarely offers alternative sentencing, like work release or community service, and conviction can have a major effect on the rest of your life.
If you’re facing DUI charges, you may be wondering how a Clackamas County DUI attorney can help you. Legally, you’re allowed to represent yourself, and while this may sound tempting, we don’t recommend appearing in court without a lawyer. An experienced DUI attorney in Clackamas will know the intricacies of the law and will be able to offer sound advice. Plus, a Clackamas DUI attorney will have access to investigative resources that may help you win your cases.
What to Look For in a DUI Lawyer in Tigard
When searching for a DUI attorney in Tigard, Oregon, it's important to prioritize experience and specialization in DUI law. An attorney with a focus on DUI cases will have a nuanced understanding of the specific legal challenges and strategies relevant to these types of cases. This specialization is particularly crucial given the complexity and ever-evolving nature of DUI laws.
What Happens in a Free DUI Consultation
In a free DUI consultation, you can expect a focused and informative session with a DUI attorney to discuss your case. Here's a brief overview of what typically happens during a consultation:
1. Case Review: The attorney will begin by asking you to provide details about your DUI arrest, including when and where it occurred, the circumstances leading to the arrest, and any actions taken by law enforcement. This initial fact-finding is crucial for your attorney to understand the specifics of your case.
2. Legal Advice: Based on the information you provide, the attorney will offer preliminary legal advice. This might include insights into potential defense strategies, an overview of the legal process you can expect, and a discussion of the possible outcomes of your case.
3. Discussion of DUI Process: The attorney may explain the DUI court process in your jurisdiction, including arraignment, pre-trial motions, the possibility of a trial, and sentencing. They will also discuss critical deadlines, such as when to request a DMV hearing to challenge a license suspension.
4. Assessment of Evidence: The attorney will likely discuss the evidence against you, such as breathalyzer or blood test results, field sobriety test outcomes, and police reports. They might also talk about the potential for challenging this evidence.
5. Explanation of Rights and Options: You'll be informed about your legal rights and the various options available to you. This might include pleading guilty, negotiating a plea deal, or going to trial. If applicable, the attorney may also discuss the possibility of entering a DUI diversion program.
6. Fee Structure and Representation Details: If the consultation is moving in the direction of hiring the attorney, they will discuss their fee structure, including any flat fees, hourly rates, or additional costs. This is also the time to ask about the attorney’s availability and how they will communicate with you throughout the case.
What Makes Shannon Powell a Top Tigard DUI Attorney?
Shannon Powell is recognized as a top DUI attorney in Tigard, thanks to his experience in Oregon's DUI laws and the local legal landscape. His approach is marked by meticulous attention to detail and a deep commitment to each client's case. Known for his adeptness in navigating the complexities of the Tigard court system, Shannon excels in crafting tailored defense strategies. He has a proven track record in effectively challenging evidence and negotiating favorable outcomes.
*Nothing herein constitutes legal advice. You should obtain independent legal counsel regarding your specific factual situation.
